Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Just announced by the Lincoln Stars is the addition of former Stars forward Josh Berge to the coaching staff. Click here to read the official release from the team. Berge is a name very familiar to hockey fans in this city. Here's an excerpt from the article linked above:Josh Berge is the newest member of the Stars coaching staff, assuming the position of Assistant Coach for the team. Berge, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, played for the Stars during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, and wore the "C" for the Stars before concussion injuries ended his playing career.

"Josh has always had a great mind for the game, and it was obvious as a player that he saw things from a coach's perspective," said Head Coach Chad Johnson. "He's been a captain on every team he's been on, which says a lot about his character, and will translate well as he transitions to coaching in the USHL."

"Obviously, I'm excited to be working with Chad, Jimmy and the rest of the Stars staff," said Berge. "Hockey has been such a huge part of my life, so I'm thankful for the opportunity to stay involved in the sport that has meant so much to me."What's not stated above is that Josh Berge was the head coach of the Lincoln Jr. Stars the last few years, I believe. For those of us who remember Berge as a player, I'm sure he'll fit in very well with Chad Johnson and Jimmy McGroarty. Berge wasn't the biggest guy on the ice, but he had a huge heart and led by example with his gutsy play. He had a great work ethic and a motor that would never quit. As the youngest coach on the team, I'm sure he'll be able to relate to the incoming players, and even the veterans, very well.I always felt kind of sorry for Josh because of the issues with concussions that he was faced with as a player. There's no doubt in my mind Josh could have went on to have a very fulfilling hockey career as a player if it had not been cut short by the concussions. I'm just happy to see him stay in the game as a coach.Great addition to the team, in my opinion. Looking forward to seeing Josh behind the Lincoln bench once again.Edit: I forgot to mention that Josh's older brother Mick Berge, who also played for the Lincoln Stars (2002-05), is an assistant head coach for the Minot (ND) Minotauros of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).